Weight Loss Surgery Costs

What Does it Cost NOT to Have It?

As with any surgical procedures there are costs associated with weight loss surgery, some that will be covered by insurance and some that may not. Depending on your insurance policy, the majority of the costs of the weight loss surgery may be covered from 50% up to 100%. There will still be incidentals to consider, and at the support meetings and information meetings the full cost of weight loss surgery should be addressed and discussed. Usually the cost of the weight loss surgery will be significantly less over the lifetime of the individual than continuing with the expenses of living overweight.

For most weight loss surgery with a qualified bariatric surgeon the cost of the procedure itself will be between $10,000 and $40,000 dollars. In addition there will be incidental expenses involved in any pre or post surgery treatments or other health issues that need to be correct prior to the surgery.

While this may seem like a huge amount of money, consider how the cost of remaining obese impacts on your financial state. There are so many costs that you may have taken for granted. Below are some of the financial costs of remaining overweight.

Diabetes supplies

The most conservative estimate for the average yearly cost for a diabetic individual is ten percent of their income. This number covers the cost of insulin, needles, foot and leg treatments, additional doctors visits, glucose monitors and other equipment. Remember that this cost is ongoing and will not decrease unless the diabetes is brought under control by weight loss.

Special equipment

Morbidly obese people may require specialized equipment to help them remain mobile and get around. The following is a list of some of the common pieces of equipment needed:

• Power lift chair – $1000.00 - $3000.00

• Motorize scooter - $1500.00 and up

• Hospital bed/adjustable bed - $2500.00 and up

• Shower and bath rails – $200.00 plus the cost of installation

• Wheelchair - $450.00, this is just a standard chair, not electric

• Transfer bench for shower - $200.00

• CPAP machine for breathing - $550.00

In addition remember that all this equipment will have to be replaced every few years, and will increase in price every time that it needs to be replaced.

Living costs

In addition there will be additional cost involved with:

• Travel- usually most obese people will have to book two seats on trains or planes, or may be required to fly in first class.

• Vehicles – many of the smaller and less expensive vehicles will not be roomy enough for people that are overweight

• Clothing – all specialty clothing is more expensive, often up to five times the cost of standard off-the-rack sized clothes.

These are just the financial costs of being overweight. In addition there are the emotional and psychological costs that are not measured in dollars and cents.

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